Olympic norovirus outbreak spreads to athletes: 5 things to know

Two Swiss freestyle skiers contracted norovirus amid an ongoing outbreak at the Pyeongchang Games, according to a report from Reuters.

 

Here are five things to know.

1. Officials have confirmed more than 200 norovirus infections tied to the outbreak, which originated in a youth training center where Olympic staff stayed prior to the event. The Swiss competitors are the first Olympic athletes to contract the virus, according to Reuters. Previously, the outbreak was limited to security and food service workers.

2.  The Swiss media has named the skiers as Fabian Boesch and Elias Ambuehl, according to a report from the BBC.

3.  The Swiss Olympic team on Friday said the athletes contracted the illness several days ago. Their symptoms have mostly subsided, meaning they may still have an opportunity to compete.

"They were taken to a single room and had no contact with the other athletes," the Swiss Olympic team said in a statement obtained by Reuters. "Please note that athletes who have had the norovirus are allowed to compete if they are in good physical health, have been tested by the Swiss medical team, take all precautionary measures and the [International Olympic Committee] has been consulted."

4. The freestyle ski competition began Feb. 9 and will continue until Feb. 23.

5. Norovirus can be transmitted via person-to-person contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces and food. Symptoms of the virus include fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

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